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    Watch Graham Potter’s reaction as he’s quizzed about England manager job moments after earning uni degree

    GRAHAM POTTER has broken his silence on potentially replacing Gareth Southgate as England manager.The former Brighton and Chelsea boss has emerged as a firm favourite for the role since it became vacant on Tuesday.Graham Potter has spoken out about becoming the next England managerCredit: X @BBCWYSThe former Chelsea boss has been out of work for 15 monthsCredit: AlamyPotter has now emerged as a firm favourite to succeed Gareth SouthgateCredit: AlamySouthgate stepped down as the Three Lions chief following Sunday’s heartbreaking 2-1 loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.Potter is available to take over right now, having been out of work for 15 months since his sacking by the Blues.The 49-year-old has now spoken out about the links, after being awarded an honorary doctorate by Leeds Beckett University for Services to Sport.Potter joined the uni as manager of the Leeds Carnegie men’s team in 2009 and completed an MSc in Leadership: Personal & Professional Development from the institution.READ MORE ON ENGLANDAfter being presented with his award, Potter was questioned on the links to the vacant England role.He said: “I don’t think today’s the day to speak about that. Gareth has done a fantastic job.”I don’t think there is anybody in the country that is more respected in football than Gareth.”I think he and his team led the country in a really good way and I have huge respect for him.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”And today’s the day to wish him a nice break because he deserves that. And to wish him well in whatever he does in the part of his career.”The bookies have it as a three-horse race to succeed Southgate, according to the latest odds from Ladbrokes.’Get him in’ – England fans reveal who they would like to replace Gareth Southgate after Euro defeatThey make former Chelsea flop Potter the 11/10 favourite to take over.While Newcastle United’s Eddie Howe is just behind in the betting at 2/1Elsewhere, Mauricio Pochettino makes up the podium spots at 4/1 – the only other name currently priced shorter than 10/1 to get the gig.Southgate statement in full as he QUITS EnglandAs a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England. It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all.But it’s time for change, and for a new chapter. Sunday’s final in Berlin against Spain was my final game as England manager.I joined the FA in 2011, determined to improve English football. In that time, including eight years as England men’s manager, I have been supported by some brilliant people who have my heartfelt thanks.I could not have had anyone better alongside me than Steve Holland. He is one of the most talented coaches of his generation, and has been immense.I have had the privilege of leading a large group of players in 102 games. Every one of them has been proud to wear the three lions on their shirts, and they have been a credit to their country in so many ways.The squad we took to Germany is full of exciting young talent and they can win the trophy we all dream of.I am so proud of them, and I hope we get behind the players and the team at St. George’s Park and the FA who strive every day to improve English football, and understand the power football has to drive positive change.My special thanks go to the backroom staff who have provided the players and me with unstinting support over the last eight years. Their hard work and commitment inspired me every day, and I am so grateful to them – the brilliant ‘team behind the team’.We have the best fans in the world, and their support has meant the world to me. I’m an England fan and I always will be.I look forward to watching and celebrating as the players go on to create more special memories and to connect and inspire the nation as we know they can.Thank you, England – for everything. More

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    I got England flag SUNBURNED on my face during Euros final – I thought it was a laugh at first but it’s a nightmare

    AN ENGLAND fan was left with a St George’s Cross sunburn on her face after a Euro 2024 blunder.Kalyne Fletcher got behind the Three Lions by painting the flag over her makeup before England played Spain in the final.Kaylne thought the paint had stained her face but soon realised that wasn’t the caseCredit: Jam Press Vid/ @y2kalynebbyShe posted a pic on social media to share the embarrassing moment with her friendsCredit: Jam Press Vid/ @y2kalynebbyDespite the loss, Kaylne said the England squad should be proud of their performanceCredit: Jam Press/ @y2kalynebbyBut when she attempted to remove it later that night, she discovered the cross wouldn’t budge.And it wasn’t the paint being stubborn.Kalyne, from Ipswich, said: “Everyone is out there facing their hardships in life.”With things as silly as this you just have to laugh, it could always be worse.”read more on footballThe 24-year-old originally thought the paint had stained her face but quickly realised that wasn’t the case.”During the day of the Euros, I decided it would be a good laugh and good entertainment for the family,” she added.“I’m always trying to do something wacky to make them smile.“This has all definitely made them laugh.”Most read in FootballThe red cross had been painted over her makeup which fortunately contained SPF. After Kaylne noticed the blunder, she took a picture of her face and posted it on social media to share the embarrassing moment with her friends.Three England fans have been sacked after going to the Euro 2024 final The England fan said: “My friends along with lots of others have had a right laugh in the comments which is what I think people needed after the disappointment from the match.”Kalyne had been hoping the Three Lions would finally bring it home after going 58 years without winning a major trophy.Unfortunately, for thousands of England supporters, the wait goes on.Gareth Southgate’s team came up against a strong Spain squad who had won every game they played in the tournament.The first half was tight between the two nations and neither team could force an opener.However, Nico Williams caught England napping when he put Spain ahead just 70 seconds after the restart.Gareth Southgate’s side had grown in confidence as the game wore on but had to come from behind.Jude Bellingham showed his quality to create an opening at the edge of the box but flashed his left-foot shot wide.Cole Palmer scored just seconds after coming on for England to make it level.But then Real Sociedad winger Mikel Oyarzabal scored to put Spain ahead at 2-1.Despite the loss, Kaylne was proud of The Three Lion’s performance.”I think the lads should be proud of themselves,” she said.“Of course, I would’ve loved to see them win, but to get as far as they did in the competition was nice to see.”They bring the whole nation together which is what I enjoy the most.”READ MORE SUN STORIESIt comes after an England diehard has been told that he should have waited by fellow fans after his latest tattoo.And fans gasped “this is surreal” after realising a CURSE was put on England by a famous Brazilian writer following their World Cup win in 1966.A dematologist’s top tips for staying safe in the sunBy Ethan SinghA DERMATOLOGIST has given her top tips for staying safe in the sun – including what type of clothing you should wear.Clothing is keyDr Blakeway-Manning says that your first line of defence against the sun should be clothing as it absorbs or blocks harmful UV rays which can prevent skin cancer.But as the day heats up, this becomes difficult as we have a “natural impulse to remove clothing”, the experts told MailOnline.That’s why Dr Blakeway-Manning also recommends always wearing a hat – such as one with a wide brim.This is because your forehead, scalp and ears are particularly vulnerable. Check your sunscreen dateOne in 10 Brits say they rarely use SPF, while one in 20 say they never do so – despite advice to apply it every day, according to a survey.And a lot of Brits also don’t know that most sunscreens have a three-year shelf life.The more the bottle is opened and closed, the more likely it is that germs will contaminate the bottle and cause the quality to degrade.That’s why it’s recommended you write the first date of use on the bottle to remind yourself how long it has been open for.Re-apply sunscreenExperts say reapplication of all types of sunscreen is recommended every two hours, even for once-a-day formulas. Dermatologists claim this is because no matter how carefully you apply, parts of the body will likely be missed.This could leave particular areas of skin vulnerable for the whole day. Meanwhile, perspiration, water and wiping off dirt can all remove even the strongest sunscreens.Melanoma Fund CEO Michelle Baker said: “As a parent, lead by example and apply to your skin as well as theirs.”Be wary of raysExperts warned Brits that it’s possible to get a sunburn on overcast days with clouds not protecting against UV rays.Just five sunburns in your lifetime doubles the risk of skin cancer, according to research in the British Journal of Dermatology.Shade protectsAlong with clothing, shade is the best UV protection, according to the expert.From March to October, NHS guidelines suggest spending some time in the shade from 11am to 3pm and make sure you never burn.If shade is hard to come by, it is recommended to use temporary structures such as gazebos, sails, or sports umbrellas. Light fabricsDr Blakeway-Manning advises sun-seekers to wear light clothes that have a tight weave.These offer the best protection as a tight weave leaves very few holes in between — preventing rays from filtering through. The dermatologist said: “You can test suitability by holding the fabric up to the sun. “If none or minimal light filters through, you’re sorted.”Don’t use sunbedsThe expert also warned against the risk of sunbeds to get a tan.Although popular, sunbeds give out UV light which in some doses is even stronger than a midday tropical sun. 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    Glamorous Love Island star Ekin-Su becomes Real Madrid fan after random meeting with ‘babes’ Euro 2024 ace in gym

    LOVE ISLAND star Ekin-Su has revealed she is a Real Madrid fan after meeting Los Blancos ace Arda Guler at the gym.The teen sensation shined in Germany earlier this month after helping Turkey reach the quarter-final at Euro 2024.Ekin-Su has revealed she has become a Real Madrid fan after meeting Arda GulerCredit: InstagramGuler was the starboy of Turkey’s Euro 2024 squad earlier this monthCredit: GettyEkin-Su captioned the picture with the 19-year-old Real Madrid ace ‘Hey babes’Credit: InstagramEkin-Su won the 2022 series of Love IslandCredit: SplashGuler, 19 was awarded Player of the Match in Turkey’s 3–1 opening fixture win over Georgia.It came after he became the first teenager to score on his European Championship debut since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2004.And the winger is now having some downtime after an incredible season for his club and country.On Wednesday afternoon during his stay at the five-star luxury resort Titanic Deluxe Bodrum, Guler bumped into fellow Turk Ekin in the hotel’s gym.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn a tweet, the 29-year-old reality star shared a selfie with the teen and captioned it “Hey babes.”The Real Madrid ace made a move to the Bernabeu last summer on a £17million deal from Fenerbahce and has taken La Liga by storm scoring six goals in 12 appearances.Recognising his stellar effort Ekin-Su tweeted later that evening “Hala Real Madrid, you gained a new fan today”.Ekin won the 2022 series of Love Island with ex-boyfriend Davide Sanclimenti.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut the actress has now been linked with bachelorette Peter Webber after taking part in the US version of The Traitors last year.In an exclusive interview with The Sun, she opened up about her split from Davide, claiming the Italian hunk cheated during their relationship.Excited fans say ‘whoever gets Arda Guler is so lucky’ as they realise Turkish wonderkid’s ‘bargain’ release clauseMeanwhile, Guler is rumoured to be dating Turkish beauty Duru Nayman.Nayman was spotted with Guler when he first landed in Madrid to sign his six-year contract at the Bernabeu last summer.And among the 487 people Guler follows on Instagram, Nayman is one of them.Following multiple injuries in late 2023 Guler eventually made his debut for Real Madrid in January.On 19 May, he scored a brace against Villarreal in a 4–4 draw, becoming the fastest player in Real Madrid’s history to score six La Liga goals in just 330 minutes of playing time.Ekin won Love Island with ex-boyfriend Davide SanclimentiCredit: Getty More

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    Danny Dyer reveals ‘friction’ between England stars’ Wags and families during ‘frustrating’ Euro 2024

    DANNY DYER has claimed there was “friction” amongst England Wags and families at Euro 2024.It was a tournament that ended in heartbreak for the Three Lions as they lost the final to Spain 2-1 in Berlin.Danny Dyer has revealed there was ‘friction’ amongst the England players’ families at Euro 2024Credit: EURO 2024 News Pool (ENP)Dani Dyer was in the stands at every game to cheer on boyfriend Jarrod BowenCredit: RexThe Dyers spent hours on the coach following England across GermanyCredit: Instagram/danidyerxxBowen played twice at the EurosCredit: GettyAnd the West Ham star went into the stands after matches to see DaniCredit: Instagram/danidyerxxDyer followed the team across Germany on their road to the capital from inside the squad’s trusted circle as his daughter Dani is in a relationship with Jarrod Bowen.Speaking on talkSPORT, the acting icon revealed there was tension between some families and the lifestyle of being a VIP England fan is not as luxury as many think.He said: “It’s mad watching it with families, it’s very intense following the team around for six weeks.”It’s not a glamorous lifestyle. They’re sitting on coaches for three hours and it hasn’t been the most exciting football either.READ MORE ON ENGLAND”Some of the families are there and some of their sons are not getting enough game time so there’s a little bit of friction there.”Gareth Southgate did seem to stay with the same team so some people didn’t get any minutes. “At least J [Bowen] got some earlier minutes. It’s very frustrating to sit on the bench and you can’t get any minutes.”There’s nothing you can do about it so you take it on the chin, you learn from it. Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Hopefully whoever comes in as the next manager fancies Jarrod again and he gets to go to the World Cup.”Bowen played twice at the Euros in two substitute appearances in the group stages.England Wags including Love Island star arrive in six private jets to spend time with partners at Euro 2024He was left on the bench throughout the knockout stages.Dyer went onto praise Phil Foden’s loved ones, saying: “They are fascinating. There’s 16 of the Fodens running around, all diddy people, lovely people.”I tell you what else I loved – very, very working class all of them.”So as much as football isn’t a working class sport any more because it costs a bomb to go, the players and their roots, they’re all working class people.”West Ham fan Dyer also opened up about his relationship with Bowen, saying: “The thing about Jarrod is that he’s such a lovely geezer. “He’s humble, quite a shy kid and loves my daughter and worships the ground she walks on.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat means the world to me and the bonus is he got the winning goal in Prague [Conference League final in 2023], so I feel sorry for my other daughter who’s 17. “She can never bring a boy home that can ever match what this boy has done.”Harry Kane’s wife Kate and their children were at the gamesCredit: GettyJordan Pickford’s partner Megan supported him at every matchCredit: EURO 2024 News Pool (ENP)Conor Gallagher went to see his girlfriend Aine May Kennedy after every matchCredit: PAPhil Foden’s family were praised by Danny DyerCredit: PABukayo Saka’s Wag Tolami Benson stunned in the standsCredit: RexJohn Stones’ wife Olivia Naylor and their kids travelled to GermanyCredit: Splash More

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    Gary Neville reveals moment Roy Keane snapped at ITV staff member after blunder with his PANTS during Euro 2024

    GARY NEVILLE hilariously revealed the blunder that left Roy Keane fuming while in Germany for Euro 2024.Both Neville and Keane were out in Germany providing coverage for ITV during the tournament.Gary Neville revealed the blunder that left Roy Keane fuming at an ITV staff memberCredit: YouTube/theoverlapKeane set off an a rant about being pandered overCredit: YouTube/theoverlap[embedded content]While out on the continent the Manchester United icons were helped with their wardrobe to make sure they looked their best on-screen.But one blunder from a helpful member of staff on the ITV team left notorious moaner Keane less than impressed.Sitting down with Keane, Jill Scott and Ian Wright, for the Stick to Football: The Overlap Special, brought to you by Sky Bet, Neville revealed the moment that had him laughing.The 49-year-old retired right-back, explained: “The funniest thing yesterday – someone tried to carry his [Roy’s] clothes in from the car to the studio.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”As they came up to him at the studio his pants slipped off the rail.”[Roy went] ‘OH MY GOD! That’s why I should f******g carry my own rail. That’s why I should carry them myself.'”Keane, 52, leapt to his own defence, but admitted that he doesn’t need pandering after and wouldn’t have made the mistake himself.He said: “There’s people here obviously to help us and they’re really helpful. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”But you get out of the car and you’ve got a little bag and they’re going ‘I’ll carry your bag’ – I can carry the bag!”He jokingly added: “I don’t want people helping me, I just want to look after my own stuff.ITV pundits gush over Yamal and reveal what they did at 16 from working on building sites to drinking cider in a field”Because what happens is when people take your stuff off you, they’re dead blase with it and my pants are all over the floor.”But I wouldn’t have dropped my pants. And people are walking all over my pants!”Keane didn’t stop his rant there either, adding: “People are really helpful, but it’s ridiculous. “I can do it. ‘Do you want a cup of tea?’ – I can make my own tea!”Roy Keane’s angriest momentsWhat really ticks off Roy Keane?The Irishman is known for his no-nonsense approach to football.And some particular things really do get on Keane’s wick.It all makes for great entertainment for fans, who love the Man United legend’s take on the beautiful game.But is Keane being a bit too sensitive himself?From smiling players to ABBA, nothing is sacred.And we all know about his dislike for a prawn sarnie…Here are the things that really make Roy Keane angry. More

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    Lamine Yamal ‘following Lionel Messi’s script’ as Barcelona hand Spain’s Euro 2024 hero new squad number

    BARCELONA wonderkid Lamine Yamal has been handed a new squad number after his Euro 2024 heroics with Spain.Yamal, 17, will be wearing a shirt number that previously belonged to Barca legend Lionel Messi after he helped the Furia Roja win their fourth European championship.Barcelona have handed Lamine Yamal a new squad number for the coming seasonCredit: GettyYamal will be wearing Lionel Messi’s old No19 shirt at BarcelonaCredit: GettyMessi wore the No19 shirt for three years before switching to his iconic No10Credit: GettyMessi was handed the No19 shirt when he was cutting his teeth with the Blaugrana in his tender years, just like the Spain international is doing now.Now Yamal will be donning that kit number starting this coming season with the eyes of the world fixed on him after a stunning campaign for both club and country.And fans have already started comparing the young forward to the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.One fan tweeted: “Following the script.”Read More on FootballAnother posted: “Following the foot steps of the GOAT. We know what comes after 19……”A third commented: “So beautiful.”This fan said: “Love u lami.”And that one stated: “Let’s go!”Most read in FootballMessi was handed the No19 shirt during the 2005-06 campaign shortly after he burst onto the scene from Barcelona’s B team.The Argentina great went on to wear his signature No10 jersey just three years later.Lamine Yamal explains cheeky message he did in Spain v France Euro 2024 match And the legendary forward went on to become the Catalan giants’ all-time leading goalscorer as he netted a staggering total of 672 goals in 778 appearances. More

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    Ten most influential Euro 2024 pundits revealed as Rooney earns nearly £10,000 per POST and Laura Woods beats Alex Scott

    EURO 2024 ended in heartbreak for England – but some pundits secured huge social media wins.Both the BBC and ITV sent crews out to Germany to cover every kick of the action.Wayne Rooney has the potential to earn the most from InstagramCredit: GettyFrank Lampard could make over £5,000 per postCredit: GettyITV host Laura Woods has a high engagement rate from her followersCredit: EURO 2024 News Pool (ENP)Alex Scott makes the top tenCredit: GettyMany star-studded names took to the studio or commentary box from World Cup winners to Premier League champions.But along with their cheques from the BBC and ITV, several have made huge sums of money via their social media accounts.Experts at SlotsUp.com have crunched the numbers to reveal the most influential pundits and how much money each can make from a sponsored Instagram post.Wayne Rooney comes out on top thanks to his huge 16.3 million following, with brainiacs believing he can pocket close to £10,000 from an upload.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCesc Fabregas is in second and is also way ahead of the rest as he could receive just above £9,000 from each post or £3,623 per story.There’s a dip in figures to third but Roy Keane, with his top 19.75 per cent engagement rate, can earn £5,277 per post and £9,530 per reel.Frank Lampard pips Rio Ferdinand as the former England team-mates complete the top five.Micah Richards is next on the list as he could bank a whopping £3,702 with each upload on Instagram.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSLaura Woods is in seventh, with her potential earnings rated at £2,836.The presenter has 764,000 fans, which is the second lowest amount of followers compared to the rest of the top ten.Laura Woods’ stuns in bold outfit as ITV host wears low cut blazer for Euro 2024 finalHowever, her engagement level is impressive at a strong four per cent.Alex Scott ranks below Woods and the ex-Lionesses star is supposedly not maximising her earnings because she still has a “creator” account and not a “business” one.Ally McCoist and Joe Hart complete the top ten list of influential pundits.BBC and ITV’s Euro 2024 line up in fullHere’s how each channel will line-up:BBC presenters:Gary Lineker, Alex Scott, Gabby Logan and Mark ChapmanITV presenters:Mark Pougatch and Laura Woods BBC pundits:Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, Rio Ferdinand, Ellen White, Frank Lampard, Ashley Williams, Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart, Cesc Fabregas, Thomas Frank, David Moyes, Rachel Corsie and James McFaddenITV pundits:Ian Wright, Roy Keane, Gary Neville, Karen Carney, Graeme Souness, Eni Aluko, Ange Postecoglou, Danny Rohl and Christina UnkelBBC commentators:Guy Mowbray, Robyn Cowen, Vicki Sparks, Steve Wilson, Steve Bower and Jonathan PearceITV commentators:Sam Matterface, Clive Tyldesley, Seb Hutchinson, Pien Meulensteen and Joe SpeightBBC co-commentators:Danny Murphy, Martin Keown, Jermaine Jenas and James McFaddenITV co-commentators:Lee Dixon, Ally McCoist and Andros Townsend More

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    ITV pundits gush over Yamal and reveal what they did at 16 from working on building sites to drinking cider in a field

    LAMINE YAMAL became a European Champion at just 17 years old last week.The teenager earned Uefa’s Euro 2024 Young Player of the Tournament award as Spain lifted the trophy in Berlin.Lamine Yamal became a European Champion at just 17 years oldCredit: GettyITV pundits Gary Neville, Roy Keane, Ian Wright and Jill Scott recalled what they were doing at the same ageCredit: YouTube/Stick To FootballYamal played the majority of the tournament as a 16 year old, turning 17 just one day before Spain’s 2-1 final victory over England.The youngster already proved he could mix it with the big boys at club level last term, featuring in all but one of Barcelona’s 38 league games.But nobody was expecting him to be quite as impressive as he was for Spain this summer, with no player racking up more goal contributions at the tournament than Yamal’s five.While he also smashed the record for youngest goalscorer in Euros history and became the youngest player to ever start a major international final.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis unprecedented talent levels at such a young age have had former pros harking back to their youth and recalling what they were doing when they were just 16.ITV pundits Gary Neville, Roy Keane, Ian Wright and Jill Scott got together on the Stick to Football: The Overlap Special, brought to you by Sky Bet to cast their minds back to their formative years.Despite a combined 346 international caps and over 60 career trophies, none of the four retired pros were tearing it up on the biggest stage back in their teens.Discussing how they spent their time when they were 16 each of the stars explained how they were a world away from Yamal’s levels.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNeville explained: “That year I started playing for [Manchester] United and did my GCSE’s.”While Jill Scott has a similar memory as she recalled being in the youth ranks at Sunderland when she was 16.’No one gets close to him’ – Gary Neville names best striker he played with that ‘a lot of Man Utd fans disagree with’Although the former Lionesses hero explained that now colleague Roy Keane, may have been manager of the men’s team at the time.Prompting Keane to say: “That makes me feel really old that.”The Irishman himself was certainly not lifting trophies aloft, as he revealed he would have been drinking in a field with his friends at the age of 16.Keane said: “When I was 16 or 17 I was probably drinking bottles of cider in a field – living the dream.”Although that was still a lot better than what he was doing when he was 11, adding that he used to smoke cigarettes back in his youth.He added: “I remember we used to play football after the games in the evening, watching the 1982 World Cup. “I would have been 11 and we’d be playing football and we would have the odd cigarette.”I remember saying ‘I’m giving them up, I want to be a footballer’.”And Ian Wright was also miles away from the pitch when he was 16, with the Arsenal icon not turning pro until he was 21.He chimed in: “I was on a building site, I was working back then. “I was just working for a private guy who used to renovate houses, I was getting £50-a-week.”Yamal’s breakthrough tournament hasn’t been without the mundane realities of being a teenager though.With the La Masia graduate admitting that he was forced to do homework while in Germany for Euro 2024, balancing his school work with breaking records.READ MORE SUN STORIESBefore the tournament began, he explained: “I brought my homework here because I’m in the 4th year of ESO [Spanish secondary school].”I have online classes too and those are going fine. I hope the teacher doesn’t get mad at me.”Inside the baffling, brilliant story of Lamine Yamal – from being bathed by Messi to doing homework while taking Euros by stormLAMINE YAMAL has confirmed his status as football’s next superstar at Euro 2024 – but has only been playing 11-a-side games for four years, write Jack Rosser.Spain’s incredible 16-year-old bent home the goal of the tournament so far against France as La Roja sealed the spot in the final.But his first five years in Barcelona’s academy were spent playing seven-a-side football, up until the age of 12 in 2020 when he finally got a crack at 11-a-side games.Yamal’s story is baffling, brilliant and barely believable in equal measure.He is a boy born to a Moroccan father and a mother from Equatorial Guinea, who turned 17 the day before the Euros final, and was cradled by footballing royalty at just six months old.Staggering pictures of Yamal as a baby being held and bathed by Messi, taken for a Barcelona charity calendar 16 years ago, resurfaced this week.He did not restrict his brushes with greatness to Barcelona either, with footage of Yamal as an academy player walking as a mascot with Spain and Real Madrid icon Sergio Ramos at an El Clasico in 2016.There is a touch of fate about this gem, Spain’s “little MVP”, as team-mate Nico Williams has dubbed him.Yamal has been doing homework in his spare time and received exam results during the tournament. He passed, obviously.Now he’s the youngest ever goalscorer at the Euros, also becoming the youngest player to ever start a major semi-final – claiming that title from Pele.But it’s Yamal’s humble approach on and off the pitch that most impresses everyone he meets.And France star Adrien Rabiot probably felt quite embarrassed as he boarded his plane back home from Germany.He had tried to intimidate Yamal ahead of their semi-final clash – telling Yamal he “needs to do more.”Was this good enough, then? Yamal responded with a goal for the ages and a man of the match performance.A season which started with a pre-season game against Tottenham where Yamal excelled but was overshadowed by Oliver Skipp scoring a brace will end on the biggest stage European football has to offer on Sunday.From being outshone by Skipp to eclipsing Pele’s records is not a bad year’s work – just imagine what he will do when he grows up.Read all about the incredible rise of Lamine Yamal in full… More